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Vitamin C for Hypertension


Ascorbate Versus Artery Damage

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbate) is another micronutrient that may lower our blood pressure. Like fish oil, the effect is small, but significant.

Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that aids the body in fighting small, reactive molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals attack our tissues and are thought to be a key factor in the plaques that cause our arteries to narrow and harden,

The best way to get this powerful substance is to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Capsicum, oranges, kiwifruit and brocolli are all good sources.

Ascorbic acid supplements are another alternative. If you're taking a supplement, 500 milligrams is enough to get the blood-pressure-lowering effect.

References

Links

Lower BP with Vitamin C

Lower BP with Vitamin C

Review of studies on the BP lowering effect of Vitamin C can be found in this article.
Big doses of Vitamin C may lower blood pressure

Big doses of Vitamin C may lower blood pressure

How much Vitamin C do you really need to consume to lower BP? This article from Johns Hopkins Medicine gives you the number.
Extra Vitamin C to help lower BP

Extra Vitamin C to help lower BP

WebMD discusses the role of Vitamin C in the control of hypertension.